McCoy leads by two, many left baffled by gusting winds
The wind and occasional rain came – and left many scratching their heads and licking their wounds at the end of the day.
Whispering Creek Golf Club in Sioux City, host of the 40th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship, played downright tough in the opening round with winds gusting almost all day. Ankeny’s Nate McCoy (above) weathered the storm for the most part and holds a two stroke advantage over Trent Lindenman (New Sharon) and Ryan Horner (Clive). McCoy’s round of 73 (+1) included five birdies but six bogeys derailed any thought of an under-par start for the 2022 champion in this event.
Six-time Iowa Mid-Amateur champion Gene Elliott sits just four back of the pace, while Coby Thompson finds himself in the mix at +6.
Only eight players broke 80 on Thursday in the Mid-Amateur Division.
Ben Peters (+1) leads the Senior Division by a single stroke over Ron Peterson, while three other sit just two off the lead.
Not to be outdone, Tim Peters, brother of Ben, leads the way in the Super Senior Division, following a round of 78 (+6). Dave Gaer and David Studer both posted rounds of +8 and will look to close the gap in tomorrow’s second round in Sioux City.